Born on August 12: August Darnell is Kid Creole and vice versa

He was born in 1950 in the Bronx district of New York. He should not be confused with his younger sister, rapper Kid Creole, because he hates this crime of lèse-majesté!

In his family of Caribbean origin, he grew up in a cultural environment that blended Latin and calypso rhythms with a hint of jazz and soul. At home, any excuse was good for dancing and partying. Rather than directly pursuing a musical career, he took a short detour to university to dabble in English literature and philosophy. But the music bug quickly carried him away to far more feverish nights...

His first notable musical project, which he founded with his brother Stony Browder Jr., was called Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. A bit difficult to remember, you'll readily agree! With their ragtag big band feel from the 1930s, their indefinable retro style combines swing, jazz, and a touch of disco. It clearly foreshadows what Kid Creole & the Coconuts would become when August Darnell perfected his recipe in 1980. Want to know the secret? A sort of eclectic musical theater not devoid of humor, featuring a clownish guest in the person of Andy Hernandez, aka Coati Mundi, but also (perhaps most importantly) three pretty backup singers in skimpy yet tantalizing outfits. Kid Creole would never have become what it is today without Adriana Kaegi, Fona Rae, and Brooksie Wells, who long ago passed the baton (or the coconut) to countless other pretty maidens.

Since "Off The Coast Of Me" (1980), "Fresh Fruit In Foreign Places" (1981) and "Tropical Gangsters" (1982), the initial trilogy released on the very trendy Ze Records label, it must be admitted that the bewitching musical potion concocted for 45 years by August Darnell has tirelessly maintained the same course. On stage, he remains a fabulous entertainer but if a few new titles such as "Are You Bad Enough" find their place, it is strictly forbidden for him to forget "Annie I'm Not Your Daddy" or "Stoo Pigeon". Nothing like him captivating his audience over and over again.

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo : © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: August Darnell with Kid Creole & The Coconuts on the set of the TV show "Génération 80" in Brussels (Belgium) in October 1983